Volvo's Top Safety Pick Awards: Excellence in Automotive Safety

For decades, Volvo has built its reputation on a foundation of safety innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of automotive protection. This commitment was reaffirmed when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded both the 2019 XC90 large SUV and the 2018 S90 full-size sedan with Top Safety Pick awards—recognizing them as among the safest vehicles on the road.

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These accolades represent more than just impressive crash test performance; they validate Volvo's comprehensive approach to safety that integrates structural engineering, advanced materials, cutting-edge prevention technology, and occupant protection systems. In this comprehensive analysis, we examine what makes these vehicles stand out in the increasingly competitive landscape of automotive safety.

IIHS Testing Protocol: Understanding the Rigorous Standards

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety sets some of the most demanding safety standards in the automotive industry. Their evaluation process has evolved significantly over the years, continually raising the bar for vehicle safety. To earn a Top Safety Pick award, vehicles must excel across multiple crashworthiness tests and meet specific criteria for crash avoidance technology and headlight performance.

Both the XC90 and S90 achieved the top score of "Good" in five critical evaluations: driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side-impact, roof strength, and head restraints and seats. This consistent performance across multiple test scenarios demonstrates Volvo's holistic approach to safety rather than optimizing for specific tests.

Volvo XC90: Safety Innovation in a Large SUV Package

The 2019 XC90 represents the pinnacle of Volvo's safety technology in an SUV platform. As a three-row luxury SUV, it faces unique safety challenges due to its size, weight, and passenger capacity. Volvo's engineers addressed these challenges with innovative solutions that protect all occupants—not just those in the front seats.

The XC90's safety credentials extend beyond crash protection to include sophisticated accident avoidance technology. Its standard City Safety system includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection—a testament to Volvo's vision that the safest accident is one that never happens.

Volvo S90: Sedan Safety Excellence

The 2018 S90 sedan shares the XC90's commitment to safety while adapting it to a lower, sleeker sedan platform. Notably, the S90 qualified for the Top Safety Pick award only when equipped with specific headlights—highlighting the IIHS's increased focus on illumination technology as a critical safety component.

The S90's architecture utilizes Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), which was specifically designed with safety as a primary consideration. This platform integrates energy-absorbing structures that channel impact forces around the passenger compartment, while maintaining a luxurious driving experience.

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Both vehicles showcase Volvo's commitment to standardizing safety features rather than offering them as expensive options. This philosophy ensures that all occupants benefit from protection regardless of trim level or optional equipment

The Headlight Challenge: Why Illumination Matters

IIHS introduced headlight ratings to their award criteria in recognition that proper illumination is a critical safety feature. The fact that the S90 only qualified for the Top Safety Pick award with specific headlights highlights the importance of this often-overlooked safety component.

According to IIHS research, approximately half of all traffic fatalities occur in darkness, dawn, or dusk conditions—making effective headlights essential for preventing accidents. The IIHS evaluates headlights based on:

• Illumination distance on straight roads
• Illumination on curves
• Glare produced for oncoming drivers
• Automatic high beam functionality
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Volvo's approach to headlight technology includes adaptive bending lights that follow the road's curvature, high-pressure xenon or LED light sources for improved illumination, and automatic high-beam systems that maximize visibility without dazzling other drivers.

Volvo's Safety Philosophy: Vision 2020 and Beyond

These IIHS awards represent milestones in Volvo's ambitious Vision 2020 initiative, which aimed that no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by the year 2020. While this goal acknowledges that perfect safety is unattainable, it demonstrates Volvo's commitment to continuously pushing safety boundaries.

This comprehensive approach recognizes that safety involves more than just surviving crashes—it encompasses preventing accidents whenever possible and ensuring rapid response when they do occur.

Comparative Analysis: How Volvo Stacks Against Competitors

In the luxury automotive segment, Volvo faces stiff competition from German, Japanese, and American manufacturers who have all made significant safety advancements. The consistent Top Safety Pick awards demonstrate that Volvo remains at the forefront of this competitive landscape.

While competitors like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Lexus all offer impressive safety technology, Volvo distinguishes itself through its comprehensive standard safety package and historical commitment to safety as a core brand value rather than a marketing point.

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Technological Innovations: Beyond Crash Test Performance

Volvo's safety leadership extends beyond traditional crash protection to include innovative technologies designed to prevent accidents before they occur. These systems represent the cutting edge of automotive safety technology:

These technologies demonstrate Volvo's understanding that modern safety requires both passive protection in crashes and active systems to prevent those crashes from occurring.

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Real-World Safety Performance: Beyond Laboratory Tests

While IIHS tests provide valuable standardized metrics, real-world safety performance ultimately determines a vehicle's protective capabilities. Volvo's commitment to safety is evidenced by their investment in real-world accident research through the Volvo Cars Safety Centre and their analysis of data from actual crashes.

This research-informed approach has led to innovations like:

• Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) based on analysis of real-world side impacts
• Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) developed from studies of rear-end collisions
• Run-off Road Protection based on Scandinavian driving conditions
• Pedestrian and cyclist detection systems responsive to urban accident patterns

By grounding their safety development in real-world data rather than just laboratory tests, Volvo ensures their vehicles provide protection in the scenarios most likely to occur in actual driving conditions.

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The Future of Volvo Safety: Electrification and Autonomy

As Volvo moves toward electrification and increased automation, new safety considerations emerge. The company's next generation of vehicles will need to address challenges including:

Volvo has already begun addressing these challenges with features like reinforced battery structures in their electric vehicles, redundant systems in their driver assistance technology, and research into interior designs for autonomous driving scenarios.

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Consumer Implications: What These Awards Mean for Buyers

For consumers considering a Volvo XC90 or S90, these IIHS awards provide independent validation of the company's safety claims. However, understanding the nuances behind these ratings can help buyers make more informed decisions:

• The headlight qualification for the S90 emphasizes the importance of checking specific equipment when purchasing
• Standard safety features across trim levels means even base models offer comprehensive protection
• Volvo's safety reputation may translate to stronger resale values over time
• Insurance companies often offer discounts for vehicles with top safety ratings
• Families may prioritize the three-row XC90's ability to protect multiple passengers equally

These factors, combined with Volvo's reputation for luxury and comfort, create a compelling value proposition for safety-conscious consumers.